Change Your Image
jasonpfaff23
Reviews
Inventing Anna (2022)
Unwatchable
Disappointing, horribly made, poor casting. Yes, Ozark is a hard act to follow but I can't deal with the struggling accent. The writing lacks and I could barely get through the first episode. With all of the quality content to compete with, I simply cannot justify wasting time hoping this show might get better.
The Matrix Resurrections (2021)
A reminder of how many blue pills I've taken
Not a perfect film, a half hour could be trimmed and still should be. Like Rocky films, I needed this to remind me I'm not alone in my thinking, and to stand up and keep fighting. The film goes deep which will lose the fans primarily interested in action. The clever parts make it all worthwhile.
Arrival (2016)
A beautiful film that goes beyond a typical "sci fi" about aliens
There are two types of viewers responses, those that are looking for an Independence Day type of shallow blockbuster, and those who think and feel a bit more deeply and are looking for an interesting story that is heartfelt with surprises. This films delivers to the latter- and I am quite amazed at some of these negative reviews. I will say, you need to stick with this film to the very end- and I could see why some people say it was slow moving, if judging by the first half of the film. I am rarely so positively affected after a film (as in this case) where I will be emailing a friend late at night to recommend it.
The Final Night and Day (2011)
Not bad for the first film project by a young man with no budget
Although this film was not well received on a large scale, I don't think it was meant to be. What I do know is it was a made with an extremely low budget (much less than what Hollywood considers "low budget")- this might be considered "no budget. Considering its a first time experimental film project created by a very young man; and I don't think it was meant to contend with other 'serious' Hollywood films. That said, I think Adam did a decent job with what he had to work with in Buffalo, NY (although the film is mostly shot in the extremely small town of Tonawanda, NY). Lets see what he does next and go from there. For anyone who thinks they are a film buff just because they have seen a bunch of films, yet have never tried to make a film, I suggest you give it a shot. Films are much easier to criticize than to make.
Soaked in Bleach (2015)
Very solid film and directorial debut
A seamless documentary that really should have been a Oscar contender. The film clearly shows there is enough evidence to reopen the investigation into Cobain's death, and I'm betting there is more evidence that wasn't accounted for here. The fact is, over twenty years later, this is still a hot topic that doesn't seem to be going away any time soon, so why not reopen the damn case? I heard this film was one of the most obstructed in history- in other words, people we're trying really hard to prevent this film from being seen, that in itself is enough reason to watch it. Benjamin Statler surely has a bright future ahead in the world of filmmaking and I can't wait to see his next film.
All This Mayhem (2014)
Excellent documentary
I've been on the fence whether or not I should bother video-taping life in general- This documentary proves a reason to bother. Its incredible how much footage they had, likely not knowing it would come to use for this purpose. The film was put together really well, and the music was placed really well, which is important. I'd keep an eye on this director. Reflecting on the 80's in America: I'd already been reminiscing about the 80's and how it seemed a more exciting and colorful era here in America. People just seemed to take more risks back then. These risk takers were hardcore, not all in a good way, but faithful to their way of life. This film makes Tony Hawk seem like a real dick, but you can read about his response to the film online. I skateboarded for several years as a teen, and I'll tell you "vert" (half-pipe) skating is no joke- I couldn't even 'drop in' on the ramp ( and I was a semi-professional slalom water-skier, ranked 1rst in the Boys Division NY State). Skateboarding is an underrated sport for many reasons: to become good, it's a lot harder than it looks. It is also one of the lowest paying sport professions, alongside Waterskiing and other water-sports. Kleenex alert: elevated
The Hateful Eight (2015)
Disappointing
This is a film that could have been more effective in 90 minutes, way too long. My favorite part was the opening (score) and scenery. I am also more grateful for my front door, warmth, and all of the day to day things we tend to take for granted. I almost fell asleep before half way in. I figured the action and gore would hit eventually, but it was not especially satisfying compared to his previous films. Samuel Jackson lost his mystique after doing credit-card commercials and barely pulls off his role. The talent of Walton Goggins is the only thing that glues this film together enough where I did not walk out before it ended. After Grindhouse, I figured we've seen the last of Kurt Russell in a Tarantino flick, and was not impressed with him here. I'll give it kudos for this being a "one location" film, and if it wasn't a Tarantino film I'd be a bit more impressed, but obviously expectations are high. I have not gotten up faster out of my seat at the end of a film (without at least watching part of the end credits) unfortunately. If I could go back in time, I would have saved this one for DVD and saw The Revenant on the big screen instead.